Immune Disorders Flashcards

A set of 50 vocabulary flashcards covering immune system functions, active and passive immunity, hypersensitivity types, anaphylaxis, immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and HIV/AIDS.

Functions of the Immune System

The primary roles of the immune system, including protection, maintaining homeostasis, performing surveillance, and distinguishing self vs. foreign.

Hyperreactivity

An inappropriate immune response characterized by an exaggerated or excessive reaction to a stimulus.

T Cells

Lymphocytes responsible for the cell-mediated immune response that mature in the thymus, provide continuous surveillance, and stimulate B cells to produce antibodies.

Cell-Mediated Response

An immune response driven by T cells that targets and attacks infected cells within the body.

B Cells

Lymphocytes responsible for the humoral response that reside in lymph nodes and form memory cells from previous invasions.

Humoral Response

An immune response mediated by B cells and antibodies that attacks invaders located outside the cells.

Active Immunity

Long-term immune defense where the body makes its own antibodies, triggered by disease exposure or vaccination, lasting for years or a lifetime.

Passive Immunity

Immediate, temporary immune protection acquired by receiving borrowed antibodies from a mother or blood products, lasting weeks or months.

Innate Immunity

Naturally acquired, nonspecific first line of defense involving physical and chemical barriers that protect the body from the external environment.

First Line of Defense

Nonspecific innate immune barriers including skin, mucus membranes, stomach acid, sebaceous glands/secretions, and normal flora.

Normal Flora

Beneficial microorganisms naturally present on or in the body that serve as part of the innate, nonspecific first line of defense.

Artificially Acquired Active Immunity

A second line of immune defense featuring a specific reaction to an invading antigen with memory, involving organs such as the thymus, spleen, bone marrow, and lymph.

Immediate Hypersensitivity

An allergic response driven by a genetic defect resulting in excess IgE production and symptoms of histamine release.

IgE

An antibody class produced in excess due to a genetic defect in immediate hypersensitivity disorders.

Immediate Hypersensitivity Management

Treatment measures consisting of trigger avoidance, antihistamines, and immunotherapy/desensitization.

Delayed Hypersensitivity

An immune hypersensitivity reaction that occurs 24-72 hours after exposure to an antigen.

Delayed Hypersensitivity Examples

Clinical examples including poison ivy exposure, blood transfusion reactions, and tissue transplant rejection.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, systemic overreaction to an allergen that can rapidly lead to respiratory distress and shock.

Stridor

A high-pitched respiratory sound indicating upper airway obstruction during respiratory distress in anaphylaxis.

Angioedema

Rapid swelling beneath the skin or mucous membranes, serving as a key clinical cue of anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis Cues

Clinical signs including respiratory distress (stridor), tachycardia/hypotension (shock), cyanosis/pallor, and angioedema.

Anaphylaxis Emergency Interventions

Immediate priorities including maintaining the airway, administering oxygen for breathing, securing IV access for circulation, keeping NPO, and giving medications.

Anaphylaxis Medications

Pharmacological interventions administered for anaphylaxis, including epinephrine (EPI), antihistamines, and inhaled medications.

Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders

Congenital or intrinsic immune deficiencies resulting from deficient phagocytes, B cells, or T cells.

Secondary Immunodeficiency Disorders

Acquired immunodeficiency caused by external factors leading to immunosuppression.

Autoimmune Disorders

Conditions in which the immune system is unable to distinguish self vs. foreign, causing the body to attack itself.

Corticosteroids

A primary class of immunosuppressant agents emphasized in the management of autoimmune disorders.

Biologics and DMARDs

Disease-modifying agents used in the medical management of autoimmune disorders.

Common Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune conditions including Lupus, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Graves' disease, Crohn's disease, Psoriasis, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Type 1 diabetes.

Lupus

A common systemic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues and organs.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system targets and damages the thyroid gland.

Graves' Disease

An autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland, leading to hyperthyroidism.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

A contagious virus transmitted via body fluids that targets helper T cells, can remain asymptomatic for years, and causes AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

A condition characterized by a severely compromised immune system resulting from advanced HIV infection.

HIV Transmission

The spread of HIV from person to person specifically through body fluids.

Progression of HIV Infection

The sequence of HIV infection: HIV targets helper T cells, the immune system keeps virus multiplication in check while helper T cells are invaded, virus particles overcome helper T cells, progression varies by viral load, killer T cells destroy infected helper T cells, and the immune system becomes suppressed, leading to AIDS.

Helper T Cells (CD4+)

A type of white blood cell targeted and damaged by HIV particles during infection.

Normal CD4+ Count

The normal healthy CD4+ cell count range of 500 to 1500 cells per microliter.

AIDS CD4+ Count

The diagnostic CD4+ cell count threshold of 200 cells per microliter or lower that indicates AIDS.

Acute Retroviral Syndrome

An early symptomatic manifestation of HIV infection characterized by flu-like symptoms and a rash.

Opportunistic Infections

Infections and atypical cancers that occur when the immune system is severely compromised by HIV/AIDS.

Western Blot Test

The gold standard diagnostic test used to confirm HIV infection.

Antiretroviral Drug Therapy

Medical management of HIV involving multi-drug regimens with up to 4 drug types often combined to suppress viral replication.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Preventative medication therapy taken by high-risk individuals to prevent acquiring HIV.

Truvada

A specific medication used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection.

Neutropenic Precautions

Infection prevention measures implemented by nurses to protect immunocompromised HIV/AIDS patients from exposure to infectious agents.

Safe Needle Handling

A vital nursing practice to prevent accidental needle stick injuries and transmission of bloodborne pathogens like HIV.

Nursing Management for HIV

Nursing care including encouraging medication compliance, neutropenic precautions, counseling high-risk clients, providing dietary support, discussing advance directives, and practicing safe needle handling.

Killer T Cells in HIV Infection

Cytotoxic T cells that eventually destroy HIV-infected helper T cells, contributing to overall immune system suppression.

Organs of Active Immunity

Key organs involved in artificially acquired active immunity, including the thymus, spleen, bone marrow, and lymph.